Backlash Against ARD Commentator Tom Bartels After Controversial Commentary at Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

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The commentary duo from ARD causes displeasure during the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris. Particularly Tom Bartels, who makes an error, is the focus of criticism.

Paris – While the world eagerly watched the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on Friday night, the comments from Tom Bartels and Friederike Hofmann caused annoyance among viewers (all Olympic experts, moderators, and commentators in the overview). Bartels’ lack of knowledge about Olympic torchbearer Marie-José Pérec, a three-time Olympic champion, was particularly criticized.

Viewers rage about ARD commentator Tom Bartels’ lack of knowledge at the Olympics opening ceremony

It could be heard live on television how Bartels apparently turned to other reporters on site and asked: “Who is the girl? Who is the girl? You know it?”

A question that quickly circulated on social media and caused outrage. The 56-year-old Pérec ignited the Olympic flame together with three-time judo Olympic champion Teddy Riner.

ARD commentator Tom Bartels must face heavy criticism after the Olympics opening ceremony. © Tom Weller/dpa

Commentator duo comes under fire at Olympics opening ceremony

Reactions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were clear. One user commented: “For anyone who might just now be tuning into the ARD Olympics opening ceremony: No, this is not accidentally the audio description for the blind. They are just rambling on as if there is no tomorrow!” Another added: “Interrupting a live music performance is just bottomless.”

“Every time Tom Bartels mentions the weather, take a shot and you’ll be bluer than the Seine,” joked another viewer about ARD commentator Bartels, who was annoyed during the EM final. Another fan was quite irritated and called for a response from ARD: “Dear ARD, can you please take the microphone away from Tom Bartels? Not being able to pronounce the countries is one thing, but the negative comments about the weather are just too much, it’s annoying. It doesn’t put a damper on the mood, just he does.”

Viewers sharply criticize commentator from Olympics opening ceremony – ARD responds

ARD quickly responded to the criticism and assured that the comments had been forwarded to the TV team. “We have already passed on the feedback to the TV editorial team,” replied the Sportschau account to a critical user. Whether these measures will be enough to calm the tempers remains to be seen.

Despite the criticism, there were also positive responses, particularly regarding commentator Friederike Hofmann, who was able to score points with her expertise about Paris. One viewer praised: “I find the female commentator really strong; Tom Bartels seems to struggle with the fact that she is better prepared.”

Olympics opening ceremony overshadowed by ARD commentator’s blunder

The opening ceremony in Paris was a historic event in many respects, not only due to the unique staging along the Seine but also because of the lively discussions it sparked. How commentary will be handled in upcoming events will certainly be closely monitored. In addition to the criticism of commentator Tom Bartels, viewers were disappointed with the Olympics opening ceremony: “Gives me some ZDF television garden vibes,” it was said. (ck)

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